Les Paul and Mary Ford were a musical duo who were popular in the 1950s. Les Paul was a renowned guitarist and inventor of the solid-body electric guitar, while Mary Ford was a talented vocalist with a distinctive style. The duo recorded a number of hit songs together, including “How High the Moon,” “Vaya con Dios,” and “The World Is Waiting for Sunrise.”
Their music was characterized by Les Paul’s innovative use of multi-track recording and other studio techniques, which allowed him to create intricate arrangements featuring multiple layers of guitars, vocals, and other instruments. Mary Ford’s sweet and clear voice was the perfect complement to Les Paul’s technical wizardry, creating a unique and distinctive sound that was instantly recognizable.
Les Paul and Mary Ford’s music was hugely popular during the 1950s, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who came after them. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and their music remains beloved by fans of all ages. Their legacy as a groundbreaking musical duo is a testament to their talent, creativity, and innovation.
1. Put a Ring On My Finger
“Put a Ring On My Finger” is a romantic and melodious song by American guitarist and inventor Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford, released in 1952. The song features Ford’s sweet and angelic vocals, accompanied by Paul’s virtuosic guitar playing and innovative use of overdubbing and multi-tracking techniques. “Put a Ring On My Finger” showcases the duo’s exceptional musical talent and chemistry, with a nostalgic and charming sound that captures the essence of 1950s pop music. The song was a hit on the charts and remains a classic of the genre, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.
2. Fantasy
“Fantasy” is a classic pop ballad by Les Paul and Mary Ford, released in 1954. The song features Mary Ford’s sweet and clear vocals, accompanied by Les Paul’s intricate guitar work and lush multi-track arrangements. The lyrics of the song describe a dream-like fantasy world, with Ford singing about dancing on clouds and flying on the wings of love. The song’s romantic and dreamy atmosphere, combined with Les Paul’s technical wizardry, make it a standout track in the duo’s catalog. “Fantasy” remains a beloved classic of the 1950s pop era, and a testament to the enduring talent and creativity of Les Paul and Mary Ford.
3. Jealous Heart
“Jealous Heart” is a classic pop song by American guitarist Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford, released in 1953. The song features Ford’s angelic vocals, accompanied by Paul’s virtuosic guitar playing and innovative use of overdubbing and multi-tracking techniques. “Jealous Heart” is a melancholic and heartfelt ballad, showcasing the duo’s exceptional musical talent and emotional depth. The song was a hit on the charts and remains a timeless classic of the pop music genre, demonstrating the enduring power and appeal of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s music to this day.
4. Big Eyed Gal
“Big Eyed Gal” is an upbeat and catchy rockabilly-style song by Les Paul and Mary Ford, released in 1953. The song features Mary Ford’s playful vocals, accompanied by Les Paul’s signature guitar licks and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics of the song describe the singer’s admiration for a girl with big eyes, and the fun they have together dancing and having a good time. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody make it a standout track in the duo’s catalog, and a testament to their versatility as musicians. “Big Eyed Gal” remains a classic example of the early rock and roll sound, and a beloved gem from the 1950s music era.
5. All Night Long
“All Night Long” is a lively and upbeat rockabilly-style song by Les Paul and Mary Ford, released in 1953. The song features Mary Ford’s playful and energetic vocals, accompanied by Les Paul’s signature guitar work and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics of the song describe a party that goes on “all night long”, with people dancing, singing, and having a good time. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody make it a standout track in the duo’s catalog, and a testament to their ability to capture the spirit of the early rock and roll era. “All Night Long” remains a classic example of the 1950s music sound, and a beloved gem from Les Paul and Mary Ford’s repertoire.
6. The Poor People of Paris
“The Poor People of Paris” is a cheerful and lively instrumental tune by American guitarist Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford, released in 1956. The song features Paul’s virtuosic guitar playing and innovative use of multi-tracking techniques, creating a dynamic and intricate melody that is both catchy and complex. “The Poor People of Paris” showcases the duo’s exceptional musical talent and creativity, with a fun and upbeat sound that captures the essence of 1950s pop music. The song was a hit on the charts and remains a classic of the genre, showcasing Les Paul and Mary Ford’s enduring legacy as innovators and masters of their craft.
7. Wonderful Rain
“Wonderful Rain” is a dreamy and romantic pop ballad by Les Paul and Mary Ford, released in 1952. The song features Mary Ford’s sweet and tender vocals, accompanied by Les Paul’s lush guitar arrangements and ethereal sound effects. The lyrics of the song describe the beauty of rain and how it brings people together, with the singer expressing her love for her partner in the midst of a storm. The song’s dreamy atmosphere and emotive melody make it a standout track in the duo’s catalog, and a testament to their talent for creating poignant and heartfelt songs. “Wonderful Rain” remains a beloved classic of the 1950s pop era, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s music.
8. Jura (I Swear I Love You)
“Jura (I Swear I Love You)” is a romantic and dreamy instrumental tune by American guitarist Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford, released in 1954. The song features Paul’s virtuosic guitar playing and innovative use of multi-tracking techniques, creating a delicate and intimate melody that is both haunting and beautiful. “Jura (I Swear I Love You)” showcases the duo’s exceptional musical talent and emotional depth, with a dreamlike sound that transports listeners to another world. The song was a hit on the charts and remains a classic of the pop music genre, demonstrating the enduring power and appeal of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s music.
9. It’s Been a Long, Long Time
“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” is a classic pop song by American guitarist Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford, released in 1951. The song features Ford’s angelic vocals and Paul’s virtuosic guitar playing, creating a beautiful and nostalgic melody that captures the essence of post-war romance. “It’s Been a Long, Long Time” is a poignant and sentimental ballad that showcases the duo’s exceptional musical talent and emotional depth. The song was a hit on the charts and remains a timeless classic of the pop music genre, demonstrating the enduring power and appeal of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s music.
10. A Cottage for Sale
“A Cottage for Sale” is a melancholic and heartfelt ballad by Les Paul and Mary Ford, released in 1951. The song features Mary Ford’s tender and emotive vocals, accompanied by Les Paul’s delicate and soulful guitar work. The lyrics of the song describe a lonely cottage for sale, a symbol of lost love and memories. The song’s poignant and bittersweet atmosphere, combined with Les Paul and Mary Ford’s masterful musicianship, make it a standout track in the duo’s catalog. “A Cottage for Sale” remains a beloved classic of the 1950s pop era, and a testament to the enduring power of love and loss in music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
